Does your lawn look patchy and thin, like it needs a serious pick-me-up? You are not alone! Many homeowners want a thick, green carpet but get lost when they look at all the different grass seed bags. Choosing the best grass seed for overseeding can feel like a confusing puzzle. You worry about mixing the wrong types or wasting money on seeds that just won’t grow where you need them.
This guide is here to clear up the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know to pick the perfect grass seed to fill in those bare spots. You will learn to understand seed labels, match the seed to your yard’s sunlight, and get ready for a greener lawn next season. Keep reading, and we will show you how to turn your tired turf into the envy of the neighborhood!
Top Grass Seed To Overseed Lawn Recommendations
- The redesigned Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix is durable to resist harsh conditions and features Root-Building Nutrition for a stronger lawn
- This grass seed blend is designed for full sun and partial shade, and has medium to high drought resistance with high durability
- Use this lawn care product in the spring or fall to seed a new lawn or overseed an existing lawn
- Our Root-Building Nutrition formula combines seed, fertilizer, and soil improver to help establish deep roots, allowing you to build a strong, green lawn
- One 5.6 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix has a new lawn coverage of 465 sq. ft. and an overseeding coverage of 1,400 sq. ft.
- Grow Thick, Green Turf: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix features Root-Building Nutrition crafted to help establish deep roots to build a better, stronger lawn
- Sun and Shade Grass: this combination grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver thrives in a variety of conditions
- Usage: This grass seed mix is designed for full sun and dense shade, and has medium drought resistance with medium to high durability
- Application: Use to seed a new lawn or overseed an existing lawn in the spring or fall when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F
- Coverage: One 5.6 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix has a new lawn coverage of 745 sq. ft. and an overseeding coverage of 2,240 sq. ft
- The perfect mix of Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue to thrive in shady conditions
- Grow thick, green grass in areas of your lawn that don't receive much sunlight
- Contains just the right amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed
- Requires only 2 to 6 hours of sunlight
- Disease and traffic-resistant for a strong, durable lawn
- Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue is the original turf for your home
- Provides a durable, economical lawn
- Thick blades of grass stand up to hot summers and heavy rains
- For use in full sun to medium-shaded areas
- Produces a lighter green, drought-resistant turf
- Fast Growing Grass Seed: Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix grows grass 2X faster than seed alone (when applied at the new lawn rate, subject to proper care)
- Tall Fescue Mix: Revolutionary mix of grass seed and fertilizer grows full, green grass in just weeks
- Usage: This grass seed mix is for overseeding large problem areas in your lawn and establishing new grass
- Application: Apply this lawn care product in the spring or fall when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F
- Coverage: One 5.6 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix has a new lawn coverage of 615 sq. ft. and an overseeding coverage of 1,845 sq. ft.
- Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a revolutionary grass seeding product designed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair contains a combination of high performance grass seed, mulch that expands to surround the seed, controlled release fertilizer, tackifier to help keep seed from washing away and a protectant to help keep seedlings safe
- Scotts EZ Seed Sun and Shade grass seed grows in tough conditions such as full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas and on slopes
- Plant seed in the spring or fall when daily average soil temperatures are consistently between 55°F and 70°F, or air temperatures between 60°F and 80°F
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade contains a combination of mulch, grass seed, and fertilizer to cover up to 85 sq. ft. in 3 easy steps
- The redesigned Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass is drought-tolerant to stand up to scorching heat and features Root-Building Nutrition for a stronger lawn
- This grass seed blend is designed for full sun, and has high drought resistance with high durability
- Use this lawn care product in the late spring or early summer to seed a new lawn or overseed an existing lawn
- Our Root-Building Nutrition formula combines seed, fertilizer, and soil improver to help establish deep roots, allowing you to build a strong, green lawn
- One 1 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass has a new lawn coverage of 330 sq. ft. and an overseeding coverage of 1,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix combines grass seed, mulch, and fertilizer to provide all-in-one bare spot repair for your yard
- Ready-to-grow lawn repair mix starts to grow in as few as 7 days, feeds up to 6 weeks, and absorbs 3x its weight in water
- This lawn care product contains a mixture of premium Perennial Ryegrasses, Fine Fescues, and Kentucky Bluegrass to adapt to sunny or shady conditions, 100% recycled mulch to help keep seeds moist and in place, and fertilizer for fast growth and thick results
- Apply this grass seed mix in the fall or spring when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F
- One 4.75 lb. bag of Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix covers up to 140 sq. ft.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Grass Seed for Overseeding
Overseeding is a great way to make your lawn thicker and greener. It fills in bare spots and helps keep weeds away. Picking the right grass seed is the most important step. This guide helps you choose the best seed for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy grass seed for overseeding, look for these important things:
1. Seed Purity and Germination Rate
- Purity: This tells you how much of the bag is actual grass seed. High purity means fewer weeds or filler materials. Aim for 95% purity or higher.
- Germination Rate: This is the percentage of seeds that will actually sprout. A high rate, like 85% or more, means you will see results faster.
2. Grass Type Suitability
You must match the seed to your lawn’s needs and your climate.
- Cool-Season Grasses: These grow best in spring and fall (like Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, or Ryegrass). They are good for northern areas.
- Warm-Season Grasses: These thrive in hot summers (like Bermuda or Zoysia). They are best for southern regions.
3. Seed Coatings and Treatments
Some seeds come coated. This coating often helps the seed hold moisture and protects it from pests early on. This can boost your success rate.
Important Materials in Overseeding Mixes
What makes up the seed mix really matters for your lawn’s look and toughness.
Blends vs. Mixtures
- Blends: These use different varieties of the *same* type of grass (e.g., three different types of Tall Fescue). This helps the lawn handle different weather conditions better.
- Mixtures: These combine different *types* of grass (e.g., Ryegrass and Bluegrass). Ryegrass often germinates fast, giving quick results while the slower grasses establish themselves.
Inert Ingredients
Check the label for “inert matter.” This is just filler, like dust or broken pieces. Low inert matter means you are paying for more usable seed.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the seed directly affects how your lawn looks later.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Endophyte-Enhanced Seed: Some seeds have a natural fungus inside them. This fungus helps the grass resist common insects and drought. It makes the grass stronger.
- Newer Cultivars: Look for newer grass varieties developed by universities. These are often bred to resist disease and require less water.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Old Seed: Seed that has been sitting on the shelf for too long has a lower germination rate. Always check the “Tested Date” on the bag.
- Weed Seeds: Poorly cleaned seed contains weed seeds. These will sprout and create more work for you later.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the seed changes what you should buy.
High-Traffic Areas
If you are overseeding a backyard where kids or pets play often, choose tough grass like perennial Ryegrass or specific types of Bluegrass. These handle wear and tear well.
Shady Spots
If you have areas under trees, you need shade-tolerant seed. Fine Fescues are often the best choice here. Regular sun-loving seeds will die in the shade.
Quick Fixes vs. Long-Term Health
If you need a fast green-up before a party, buy a mix with a high percentage of annual Ryegrass. For long-term health, invest in high-quality, slow-growing blends like Tall Fescue.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Overseeding Grass Seed
Q: When is the best time to overseed?
A: The best time is usually early fall. The soil is warm, but the air is cool. This helps the new seeds sprout strong before winter.
Q: How much seed do I need?
A: Check the bag instructions. Usually, you spread about half the rate you would use for starting a new lawn. Measure your square footage first.
Q: Do I need to mow before I overseed?
A: Yes. Mow your lawn shorter than usual (about 2 inches). Then, rake up any dead grass or debris before spreading the seed.
Q: Should I use fertilizer with my seed?
A: Yes. Use a “starter fertilizer” when you spread the seed. This gives the new seedlings the nutrients they need to grow roots quickly.
Q: How deep should the seed be planted?
A: Grass seed should barely touch the soil. Do not bury it deep. Most seeds only need to be lightly raked in or just left on top of the soil.
Q: How often should I water after overseeding?
A: Keep the top inch of soil moist constantly until the seeds sprout. This might mean watering lightly two or three times a day.
Q: How long until I see new grass?
A: Fast-sprouting seeds like Ryegrass might show up in 5 to 7 days. Slower seeds like Bluegrass can take 14 to 21 days.
Q: Can I use the same seed to fix bare spots as I use for the whole lawn?
A: It is better if you use the same type of seed throughout. Using different types can create patches of different colors or textures later on.
Q: What does “Dormant Seeding” mean?
A: Dormant seeding means spreading the seed in late winter or very early spring before the soil warms up. The seed waits for the right temperature to sprout on its own.
Q: Does overseeding kill weeds?
A: Overseeding doesn’t kill existing weeds, but a thick, healthy lawn prevents new weeds from taking hold by blocking sunlight.